CORDILLERANS in New Zealand celebrated another milestone in the history of their group Organisation of Cordillerans New Zealand (OCNZ).
The important and memorable gathering was the celebration of the 25th anniversary of OCNZ held lately.
The only event conducted by the group in 2020 due to the pandemic was full of fun and memories as members and guests sing and dance with their favorite indigenous music, which they always enjoy back home.
Past OCNZ president & current adviser & organizer of the 25th OCNZ anniversary Myriam Benito, who is from Baguio City but moved to New Zealand in 1999, said the occasion was also a celebration of what their group has achieved through the years.
The silver anniversary hosted by the West Auckland members where OCNZ was established by pioneer Igorots in 1995 led by naming Skipper Lomiwes featured the very significant cutting of the 25th-anniversary cake by the past presidents.
Other highlights include the thanksgiving prayer in Kankanaey, Nativity play, OCNZ history video presentation, dancing, mini fashion show, Kapangan style Grand March, and raffle draws.
Benito said the pioneers who are still in NZ are Joy Pucay Stewart, Andres Pablo, TriningLiclic Smith, Christy Pacio Oldham, Odette Pucay, and Skipper Lomiwes.
She recalled the pioneers in NZ gave her and her family the warm welcome and the care and support they needed to adjust to living in a different country when they first arrived there. She said some of the pioneers already moved to Australia but there are new kakailyans who came to NZ such as the builders, beekeepers, and furniture makers.
Benito also said that they will warmly welcome all kakailyans who will start their new life in NZ.
The OCNZ has been playing a very important role in promoting our very rich and unique culture abroad and more importantly they provide a very supportive home environment for Cordillerans relocating to the said country.
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